Babies captivate us with their chubby cheeks, tiny toes, and joyful giggles—but why? This documentary explores the biological, emotional, and evolutionary reasons behind the traits humans develop from infancy. Dive into the science of personality and discover which traits lead to stronger bonds, deeper connections, and even long-term success in life. Part of Curiosity Stream’s A Curious World series.

Mars, our closest planetary neighbor, is a cold, dusty, and lifeless world—yet it captures the imagination of explorers and scientists alike. This documentary explores the technological, environmental, and biological challenges of sending humans to Mars and establishing an Earth-independent settlement. From living in protective lava tubes to altering the planet’s atmosphere, discover what it would take to transform Mars into humanity’s next frontier. Part of Curiosity Stream’s A Curious World series.

Insects are disappearing at an alarming rate, posing a serious threat to ecosystems worldwide. As pollinators decline, nearly 90% of plant species could be at risk, leading to a cascading collapse of biodiversity. This Bright Now documentary investigates the causes—from habitat loss to human-driven environmental changes—and reveals why protecting insects is essential for the survival of life on Earth.

Discover the extraordinary olfactory abilities of dogs, whose noses can detect explosives, missing people, illegal substances, and even illnesses such as cancer. This Breakthrough documentary explores cutting-edge scientific research aimed at replicating canine scent detection through advanced technology, including new tools and smartphone applications designed to identify diseases by smell. Could the secrets of a dog’s nose revolutionize human health detection?

Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, the Green Bank Observatory has recorded a series of powerful and mysterious fast radio bursts originating from far beyond our galaxy. In an environment free from modern wireless interference, hundreds of unexplained signals have been detected—leaving scientists wondering whether they’re witnessing violent cosmic events or the possible signatures of alien technology. This documentary dives into the search for answers behind one of the most intriguing astronomical mysteries of our time.

Spiders have thrived for over 300 million years, mastering predation with extraordinary strategies and crafting intricate silk webs that continue to amaze scientists. This Breakthrough documentary explores the unmatched strength and flexibility of spider silk—seven times lighter than steel yet equally strong—and unveils new research showing that spiders can even detect sound vibrations through their webs. A deeper look into one of nature’s most remarkable engineering marvels.

Great white sharks are among the most feared predators on the planet—yet science still knows surprisingly little about them. Capable of reaching speeds of 35 mph and armed with 300 replaceable teeth, these sharks dominate the oceans. This Breakthrough documentary follows evolutionary biologist Dr. Toby Daly-Engel as she applies forensic-style DNA techniques to map the great white’s family tree, unlocking new secrets about their evolution, biology, and lineage.

Weather prediction has become more accurate than ever—24-hour forecasts are now 95% reliable, and 3-day forecasts hold an 80% accuracy rate. This Bright Now documentary explores the science of meteorology, revealing how experts use satellites, supercomputers, data models, and atmospheric analysis to understand and forecast the weather. Discover how new technologies are shaping the future of forecasting and helping scientists stay one step ahead of nature.

During the Ice Age, massive ice sheets kept global sea levels significantly lower. Today, as the Arctic warms, Greenland’s ice is melting rapidly, adding billions of tons of water to oceans every year. This Breakthrough documentary investigates the environmental and societal consequences of this melting ice, including rising seas, changing weather patterns, and impacts on ecosystems, highlighting why scientists around the world are closely monitoring Greenland’s disappearing ice sheet.

This Bright Now episode explores what would happen if humanity faced a catastrophic apocalypse—whether from a virus, nuclear war, or asteroid strike. Even with a 99% population loss, millions would survive. Astrobiologist and author Lewis Dartnell reveals the essential scientific principles, tools, and technologies required to rebuild civilization from the ground up. From agriculture and medicine to energy and infrastructure, discover what it would truly take to restart society after global collapse.

Rip currents can transform a relaxing day at the beach into a life-threatening emergency. This Breakthrough episode explores how rip currents form, how to spot them from shore, and what survival techniques can save your life. Featuring expert insights and new research, it provides vital knowledge every swimmer and beachgoer should know.

Firefighters are facing increasing challenges as rising temperatures and drier conditions create more frequent and intense emergencies. This Bright Now episode examines how new firefighting technologies—like the MSTAR emergency vehicle developed by former NASA engineer Mike Ralston—could transform frontline response and make saving lives easier in a rapidly changing world.

Humor may be one of the most powerful tools for improving emotional and physical health. This Bright Now episode explores what makes something funny, how laughter affects the brain, and whether comedy can be taught. Featuring stand-up comedian Carmen Lynch and insights from neuroscientists and clown instructors, the documentary reveals the surprising science behind why we laugh.

Tiny houses are becoming a powerful movement in sustainable living. This Bright Now episode follows designer Graham Hill as he transforms a small shed in Maui into a cutting-edge eco-friendly tiny home. Through green technology, minimalist design, and off-grid solutions, the documentary explores how tiny houses can reduce environmental impact and inspire a new way of living.

For decades, ADHD was thought to primarily affect boys and men, but women face unique challenges in both academics and daily life. This Bright Now documentary follows women with ADHD as they share their personal struggles, triumphs, and resilience. Highlighting new research and effective treatment strategies, the episode provides insight into the impact of ADHD on millions of women.

Nearly a century after the Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, was wiped out by human activity, scientists are exploring the possibility of bringing this extinct species back to life. This Breakthrough episode follows Dr. Andrew Pask and other geneticists as they investigate de-extinction techniques and the future of wildlife conservation.

Clean, fresh water is vital for all life, yet growing population, climate change, and pollution are threatening global water supplies. This Breakthrough episode explores the challenges facing major cities around the world, highlights potential solutions, and examines the discovery of a massive U.S. aquifer that may help secure humanity’s future.

The New Horizons spacecraft transformed our understanding of the solar system with its historic flyby of Pluto. This Breakthrough episode showcases the stunning images and data captured during the mission, explores the diversity and activity on Pluto, and follows the spacecraft as it continues its journey into the Kuiper Belt toward Ultima Thule.

Host Nick Uhas explores the fascinating role of fire in human evolution and modern society. From ancient campfires that shaped social behavior to the engines and technologies that power our world today, this Oddly Satisfying Science episode blends fun experiments with scientific insight to reveal how fire has fueled human progress.

Breakdancing blends artistry, athleticism, and scientific precision. This Science of Movement episode follows 3x world champion b-boy El Niño and top experts as they reveal the strength, coordination, and medical support required to push the limits of human movement. Explore how breakdancing became an Olympic sport and what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Explore the science behind elite gymnastics with world medalist Yul Moldauer. This episode of The Science of Movement reveals the strength, speed, balance, and technique required for events like the pommel horse and floor exercise, showcasing gymnastics as both an art and a precise science in motion.

Documentary

Powering the City That Never Sleeps requires constant coordination, innovation, and resilience. This NYC Revealed episode explores how New York City generates and manages its massive electricity demands while pursuing ambitious decarbonization goals to combat climate change and build a cleaner, greener future.

Venice has battled flooding for centuries, but climate change and rising sea levels threaten the city like never before. This Bright Now episode examines the MOSE project—one of the world’s largest civil-engineering efforts—and asks whether it can protect Venice’s historic architecture and culture from the encroaching waters.

Host Nick Uhas makes the invisible visible by uncovering the hidden science behind everyday life. In this Oddly Satisfying Science episode, captivating experiments—ranging from levitating magnets to fire tornadoes—reveal how unseen forces shape the world around us.

Sea level rise is slowly but relentlessly threatening coastal cities around the world. This Breakthrough episode focuses on Miami and Miami Beach, where frequent flooding and altered tidal patterns reveal the deceptive danger of climate change—and the urgent need for solutions before it’s too late.

Scientists may be closer than ever to answering the question of whether we are alone in the universe. This Breakthrough episode follows Dr. Michael Gillon and his team as they reveal the discovery of seven Earth-sized planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1, including three within the habitable zone where liquid water—and possibly life—could exist.

A Breakthrough documentary exploring how drone technology is revolutionizing space exploration. From the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter’s historic flight to NASA’s upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan, this episode reveals how aerial robotics are unlocking new worlds.

As satellite launches increase, engineers are racing to make space technology more affordable and sustainable. This Engineering The Future episode explores cutting-edge materials, innovative designs, and satellite swarms that could dramatically reduce costs while transforming the future of global communication and space exploration.

The catastrophic 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes raised urgent questions about our ability to predict seismic disasters. This Breakthrough episode explores whether modern science and technology can forecast earthquakes before they strike, potentially saving thousands of lives.